This paper reviews the phenomenon of fatigue among cancer patients. Definition, etiology, nursing interventions, self-care activities and instruments are discussed. Fatigue, which is the most common reported symptom in cancer patient's, affects the patient's quality of life as well as his/her ability to feel hope during the disease period and may lead to inactivation and social isolation. The causes of fatigue are not sufficiently understood but may be related to the direct effects of cancer, effects of cancer treatment, symptoms related to cancer, psychosocial factors, the grade of physical activity and the patients' previous physical and psychological states. Existing instruments have to be tested further for reliability and validity. Recommendations for nursing interventions include patient information / counselling, self-care activities and physical activity. Today there is a extensive research about fatigue which will lead to a increased knowledge about fatigue and its consequences and hopefully to better treatment.
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